Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1887-04-22
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
Regular Correspondent.
WASHINGTON. April 8. 1888


WASHINGTON, April 8, 1887.
Next month the National Capitol
will see more of the pomp end cir
cnmstance of war" than ever before
1t is probable too that the largest
crowd of visitors that ever assembled
in this city will come to witness the
most novel event that will take place
here during the present year. The
National Drill will commence on the
23d of May and close on the 3Oth of
that month, Decoration Day." with
grand combination parade upon the
broad, asphalt streets, of soldiers from
everywhere.
The North, South, East and West,
Lake regions and Gulf sections, will
be represented by their contingent
sight-seers as well as their citizen sol
diery who will compete for the prizes.
May finds Washington in its glory,
fresh verdure, balmy air and flowers
and military displays are always popu-
lar. The flare of brass bands, the
shrill piping flies, the "heroic voices
of the bugles," the rattling drums, the
FURNISHED arms, brilliant uniforms,
prancing steeds, white city of tents
and flying banners, always appeal to
the senses and martial spirit of the
people.
The grounds for the camp are the
grounds lying around the Washing
ton Monument, and the drill ground
is that level ellipse lying south of the
White House, known as the White
Lot This level plain is one-half mile
: in circumference, and stands will be
erected around it ON which to seat the
spectators. Here will daily be held
the contests to prove the excellence oi
the cavalry, infantry, artillery and
zouave tactics. Every evening during
drill week there will be grand brig
ade dress parade, and on Governors
Day and Memorial Day the entire
army corps from Camp George Wash
ington will parade through the streets
of the city. Each evening also the
grounds will be illuminated for prom
enade concerts, and other attractions
which are being prepared for the pub
lie.
Besides the $26, 500 to be distributed
in cash prizes, there will be gold, silver
and bronze medals, special medals and
plate trophies and stands of colors
Some of the companies which are en-
tered for the drill have said in advance
that they have no expectation of win
ming prizes but that they are coming
simply for the recreation and pleasure
Of the trip. Thirty-six States are al
ready represented in the applications
made for entry, and yesterday one wal
received at the drill headquarters from
Dakota.
One very important feature Of 1Ae
affair is the provision for bo+&s. and
shelter for the immense cr9e of visit
ors that will come. Warrington is
city of hotels and be, A<:ing houses. II
was not crowded 4.ring the Cleveland
Inauguration Enough it was estimat
ed that twere then two hundred
thousa;;- Strangers in the city. Wash
ing.es offers many inducements for
-@wk's visit besides the National Drill
1t is by far the most beautiful as vel
as the most interesting city in the
Union, and Arlington, Bladensburg
Mount Vernon, Harper's Ferry and
many other historic spots are close by
The action of the two military com
companies in Withdrawing from the
drill because of the participation o
colored troops in the contest, created
no little surprise among the managers
At first they were disposed to discredi'
the dispatches from Alabama. When
they were confirmed, Secretary De
Leon, of the Drill Committee, re
marked that he did not propose tt
criticise the withdrawal of the Mont
gomery companies, they had perfect
right to come or not as they pleased
but regarding the admission OF thu
Virginia State Guards, he said tha'
they are recognized and regularly or
ganized soldiers of the State OF Vir
ginia, and their right to enter coult
not be denied under any law, civil
military or moral. Gov. Lee had as
signed them places in the military Ger
emonies at the laying of the corne
stone of Richmond's city hall. "Ou
committee" said he, is composed al
most entirely of Democrats and o
Southern men; but there was not tn
least hesitancy or delay when the frs
colored company made its formal ap
plication.
The Montgomery Greys and tn
True Blues are the only organization
which have Withdrawn, but in view o